The Italian Wars :: history

The Italian WarsThe Italian Wars 1494-1559 - Introduction The key issues over which the Italian Wars were fought were in the main financial incentives for Charles VIII of France. He declared that he intended to purpose Naples as a base to drive the Ottomans out of Europe and pardon Constantinople. In actual truth his main motivation was self-glory and the mouth-watering sentiment of acquiring some exquisite prizes of struggle. On the way he would derive rich cities and portable pieces of art. It seems that this invasion had been planned for two years anterior since Charles had already bought off potential rivals like Henry VII of England, Ferdinand and Macsimilion. He had also enlisted the support of Genoa and Milan, both within Italy. The regent of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, needed affiliate and his invitation in 1594 seemed to Charles plans perfectly. He accepted and the Italian wars began. Also, the Cardinal of Genoa resented the current Pope, black lovage VI. He invited Cha rles to come in, depose him and spark off the eagerly expect church reform. Events 1494-1516 - There was a mixed reaction to the arrival of Charles in Italy. Florence revolted against its leader, Piero de Medici. The Popes army deserted him. In Naples the king died and rather than unite against his intelligence the populous decided to capitulate. There was however some reaction against Charles activities. Ferdinand of Aragon positive that since Naples was subject to the papacy, that the Popes honour had been attacked. He formed the League of Venice. His main intentions were to dislodge Charles and become the ruler of a united Naples, Sicily and Aragon. Charles began to withdraw to France and although he won a battle at Fornovo, his outnumbered garrisons couldnt retain Naples. By 1498 the bureau in Italy was one of chaos and turmoil. Charles died in 1498, which meant that there wasnt red ink to be a re-invasion. Popular uprisings in Milan and Florence saw the Medicis and the Sfo rzas overthrown. Civil war was raging on between Pisa and Florence and the accession of Louis VIII as French King meant that the prospects for peace did not look too good. Louis had inherited Naples, barely his main objective was Milan, which he invaded in 1499. He settled for the western sandwich half and gave the Eastern half to Venice. He then headed southward to Naples, which he had agreed to jointly rule with Ferdinand.